Van fleet operators have called on all commercial vehicle manufacturers to publish fuel economy and emissions figures on their models to enable companies to reduce their carbon footprint.
That’s according to a survey carried out by Northgate Vehicle Hire, one of Europe’s leading light commercial vehicle rental business.
An overwhelming 80% of 501 fleet owners wanted clear data on emission and MPG on commercial vehicles.
Ironically, while the call for official data to be published underlines the environmental concerns of corporates, the same survey also revealed that more than a third of firms (36%) intended to do nothing over the next six months to go ‘green’.
However, the majority of those quizzed have either implemented a range of initiatives or plan to take action during the remainder of 2008 to reduce emissions from their fleets.
Since January 1 this year all van manufacturers must by law produce fuel economy figures and carbon dioxide emission figures for vans for the first time - but they don’t have to publish them.
Northgate Vehicle Hire managing director Phil Moorhouse said: “Fuel economy and CO2 data should be published by the van manufacturers and be available to all fleet operators. There are issues around both sets of figures being affected by whether vehicles are laden or unladen and their actual specification - factors that influence such data on commercials far more than in relation to cars. However, unless the vehicle manufacturers publish official data then more and more websites will spring up publishing their own figures that may or may not be accurate. I’m not surprised by the survey results because we are being increasingly asked by our customers to help them work out their carbon footprint and manufacturers would do the industry a huge favour by agreeing a standard for both sets of figures and publishing them.”
Simon McBride
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) is advising fleet operators that make occasional visits to London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to consider renting the appropriate vehicles rather than being charged or fined for using older, non-conforming vehicles.
Unlike the congestion charge, the LEZ is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Whilst an investment in expensive modifications or even replacement vehicles may make sense for regular visitors to the capital, the BVRLA suggests that occasional visits within the M25 could be more cost-effective if a rental vehicle is used.
BVRLA director general, John Lewis said: “Not only is renting cheaper, you’ll be using a more fuel efficient vehicle and it’s better for the environment.”
BVRLA Members currently operate more than 510,000 vans and trucks across their rental and leasing operations in the UK.
Simon McBride
The UK Government has announced that vehicle testing will not be privatised. The Unions have welcomed this announcement by under-secretary of state for transport Jim Fitzpatrick MP.
The news follows a long campaign by members of the Public and Commercial Services union, Prospect and Unite working in the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), and is testament to their hard work and dedication.
Jerry Pickford, Unite negotiations officer, said: ” “Following a long struggle to prevent the outsourcing of VOSA functions, I am delighted with today’s announcement not only to retain VOSA within the public sector but also the increased investment. We have always believed that privatising VOSA was wrong, and would lead to less safe roads in Britain. Virtually every interested part of the industry agreed with us.”
VOSA is responsible for checking the safety of heavy goods vehicles, public service vehicles and the monitoring of MOT garages. The unions feared outsourcing these functions would go against the government’s stated objectives on road safety.
The decision represents a massive vote of confidence in VOSA as a public service, and the government has pledged to invest £28m in the agency this year, most of which will go towards modernising testing facilities and IT support.
A further £36m will also be available over the next two years to support investment in facilities.
Helen Stevens, Prospect negotiations officer, said: “Our testing system is one of the best in Europe. Today’s announcement will go some way to help keep it that way. It is just a shame, however, that the government didn’t listen sooner and save the taxpayers millions wasted in consultants’ fees.”
Despite being one of the chief architect’s of the outsourcing plan, VOSA chief executive Stephen Tetlow has paid tribute to workers’ “professionalism, commitment and desire to improve road safety”.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “This is fantastic news. Not just for our members in VOSA who showed their determination to keep their jobs and the services they provide in the public sector, but also for the travelling public who will be assured that road safety is not for sale. We hope the government will finally recognise that public services are best provided by well resourced public servants.”
Simon McBride
Leading South East building maintenance company Booker & Best, has added an extra three Vivaros to the ninety vehicles that already comprise half of their van fleet.
The St Leonards-on-Sea business finds the Vivaro well-matched to the wants of the electricians, mechanical engineers and other specialist tradesmen who make up their multi-skilled teams carrying out building maintenance and refurbishment across Kent, Sussex and South London.
Good loadspace, a comfortable ride, reliability and long service intervals are quoted as the major reasons for choosing Vivaro, according to Transport Manager, Laurie Beetham.
“Our staff like them because they’re comfortable to ride in and easy to drive. And I like them because they’re rarely in the workshop and when they are they’re simple to fix with good parts supply from our local Vauxhall dealer, St Leonards Motors. The Vivaro really suits our needs for a van of this size. It’s stylish and presents a good image of our business. We take the 2900 long-wheelbase model, which has a low loading height and ample space to carry tools, equipment and most of the materials needed for jobs. When they arrive from the factory they’re ply-lined and with a bulkhead fitted so that we simply have to put our lettering on, fit ladder racks and a tracking device and they’re ready for work. We still run a few on 54 plates, which continue to perform well and which should achieve a good residual value because of the inherent reliability of the Vivaro and the good care we take of them. All routine servicing, along with any mechanical or body repairs, is carried out in our own large and well-equipped workshop at St Leonards.”
Booker & Best has to guarantee that its staff appear at jobs relaxed and able to get on with the task. So the driver and passenger comfort and safety features of the Vivaro are very important.
The driver’s seat is multi-adjustable and there’s a comfortable dual passenger seat. All controls and instruments are simple to access and read, including the neat fascia mounted gear lever. The forceful heating and ventilation system provides an enjoyable environment and a high quality stereo radio and CD player keeps the teams entertained whilst on the move as well as informing them about possible traffic jams.
Safety features including side-impact protection and ABS give an added margin of safety whatever the road or weather conditions. The powerful and fuel-efficient 2-litre CDTi engine delivers a generous 90 PS for good journey times.
Wheelchair-led team helps raise over £100,000 for charity
A team from Birmingham-based Lombard Vehicle Management, including a wheelchair user, has just conquered Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, to raise money for disability charities Scope and Capability Scotland.
The Ben Nevis Challenge challenge, with a total target of £100,000, was set by Ken Hames, presenter of BBC TV’s Beyond Boundaries and an ex-SAS member, and stipulated that each team must be led by a wheelchair user. Competing against seven other teams, Lombard was first to the 1,344-metre summit with a time of five hours 45 minutes, a full 20 minutes ahead of the second team and a record time. Including the descent, the challenge took a gruelling 12 hours.
Lombard’s Pete Thompson, a veteran of charity challenges, said, “This was the toughest event I’ve taken part in, not only during the climb itself. We had to undergo serious preparations before taking in the challenge. Training for the event as a team started at the beginning of April in the Lake District, with exercises in team building and communication as well as the skills required for manoeuvring a wheelchair and user up a mountain. We then went to the Peak District at the end of April where we took on a 9.5 mile trek, before climbing Cadair Idris in Snowdonia, Britain’s fifth-highest peak.
“The climb was still a very daunting task, but this strengthens the message that disability does not impose boundaries.”
James Foster, who has Spastic Paraplegia, navigated and directed the team to the summit and adds, “The Ben Nevis Challenge has been the most physically, mentally and emotionally demanding thing I have undertaken in my life to date and I feel very proud to have been part of a team that has been so committed, dependable and charismatic not just in the race itself but in fundraising efforts also. We have beaten our target of £10,000 for the two charities involved, and the funds are continuing to come in through our website www.justgiving.com/lombardvm.
Scope is the disability organisation in England and Wales whose focus is people with cerebral palsy. Their aim is for disabled people to achieve equality: a society in which they are as valued and have the same human and civil rights as everyone else. Capability Scotland is one of the leading Scottish disability organisations and has nearly 60 years experience of providing services to disabled people of all ages in Scotland.
Lombard not only has a strong charity programme but actively encourages employees to participate. “We are committed to supporting employees to get out of the office and provide direct, hand-on help to good causes,” says Lombard Vehicle Management boss, Rob Bailey. “By engaging in the community the rewards are greater for everyone.”
The 2.0-litre diesel engine offers superb performance but it is in the quality of the build that Kia has surpassed itself. The 7-year, 100,000 mile warranty is the best in Europe.
Residual values have yet to settle themselves for the Cee’d as it is a relatively new model and Kia are a bit of an unknown performer in this car sector. The 7 year warranty can only enhance them though and if you want an outstanding 2.0 litre diesel unit which rivals much more expensive marques in its performance AND Miles per gallon then you would struggle to find it elsewhere at the price of the Kia Cee’d 2.0 CRDi sport.
Fleet managers should note the change at the Renewable Fuels Agency as the organisation has appointed a new CEO.
Professor Ed Gallagher, Chair of the Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA), has announced the appointment, with immediate effect,
of Nick Goodall as the Agency’s Chief Executive.
Prof Gallagher said, ‘We are pleased to welcome Nick to the Agency. Nick will be leading a strong team at the RFA, and will be working to build a new consensus on the future of biofuels in the UK between Government, business and the environmental movement.’
Nick Goodall, the new Agency’s Chief Executive said, ‘I am delighted to be invited to lead the RFA. We will now build on the Gallagher Review, to ensure a truly sustainable future for biofuels in the UK.’
Nick Goodall is joining the RFA from the Energy Networks Association (ENA), where he was Chief Executive. Prior to that he was Chief Executive of ‘Renewables East’, the renewable energy agency for the East of England, and Chief Executive of the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA). He is a member of Sustainability East.
Click on www.renewablefuelsagency.org for further information.
Simon McBride
The UK Government’s Car and Despatch Agency has been commended by international ‘green’ award judges.
The Agency’s manager Ben Davis was the only UK entrant commended by judges of the public sector European Fleet Manager of the Year award.
The Government fleet was also among seven public service organisations from across the EC whose efforts to cut both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This earned them a place among the runners-up for the prestigious title of European Public Sector Fleet of the Year.
In just over three years the Government Car and Despatch Agency - GCDA - has transformed its 172-strong pool of government vehicles into one of the greenest car fleets anywhere in the UK. It has doubled the number of low-emission diesel cars it runs but, most impressively, 60 percent of its cars are now ‘cleaner’ hybrid/LPG models.
The agency’s tailpipe emissions have been cut by more than a third, from 232.03g CO2/km in 2004/5 to 145 .17g CO2/km in 2007/8. The GCDA is already within striking distance of the government’s own deadline of a maximum of 130g CO2/km emissions by 2012 - it already achieves this target on all newly-purchased cars - and the Cabinet Office has cited the agency as an example of best practice.
Ben Davis, Fleet Manager of the Car and Despatch Agency said: “We have always known we had a good story to tell in the UK but it was great to see how our work to minimise our impact on the environment compared to that of our European peers.”
Simon McBride
Make sure you put this date in your diary, 15 July for the BVRLA Seminar on Capital Allowance Reform and Other Fleet Matters.
Features include Discover what’s going to replace Expensive Car Leasing Disallowance, practical ways of ‘Greening the Fleet’ and other vital issues influencing contract hire, leasing and fleet management.
For more information go to www.bvrla.co.uk and the booking form while the cost of the day will be priced from £85 plus VAT.
Simon McBride
Fleet decision-makers are reporting massive financial savings after introducing Fleet Support Group’s RiskMaster at-work driving safety initiative to their businesses.
Central to the RiskMaster concept is staff being granted a ‘Permit to Drive’. It is given to every company employee who drives on business including those who use their own cars subject to them meeting certain standards. The online initiative provides businesses with a comprehensive Driver Operating Life Report from which data is continually used to assess individual drivers in their driving-at-work activity.
An analysis of 1,712 vehicles from four companies which have signed up to RiskMaster reveals alarming statistics when comparing the crash frequency and cost of incidents involving drivers who have a ‘Permit to Drive’ and those who have yet to complete the approval process.
Across the four companies, 1,193 drivers have a ‘Permit to Drive’ and they have a 25% crash frequency with each incident costing an average £380.57 in vehicle repairs.
However, the 519 employees who have yet to gain a ‘Permit to Drive’ have an incident frequency of 78% with crash bills being an average £536.81, according to the Fleet Support Group analysis.
Dun & Bradstreet, the world’s leading provider of business information and a Fleet Support Group client for almost two decades has reported huge financial savings following the introduction of RiskMaster.
Crash frequency among the 177 employees with ‘Permits to Drive’ is running at 25% with each incident costing an average £469.39. Meanwhile, among the 55 members of staff waiting to gain their ‘Permits to Drive’ the crash rate is 42% at an average cost per incident of £605.31.
Martin O’Sullivan, Dun & Bradstreet’s leader fleet and procurement, said: “We have seen significant financial benefits from the introduction of Riskmaster. Accident frequency and associated accident management costs have been significantly reduced. These factors have enabled us to negotiate a more favourable insurance premium this year with our risk rating subsequently reducing by 15%.
“Not only are the financial savings important, but RiskMaster ensures we are compliant with all at-work driving health and safety related legislation.”
The West Bromwich Building Society has almost 90 employees with ‘Permits to Drive’ and has seen its crash frequency drop to just 10% with an average cost per incident of £322.41. However, among the 38 employees waiting to gain their ‘Permits to Drive’ the crash rate is 21% with each incident costing on average £514.42.
The Society’s operational risk manager David Dilkes said: “There is no doubt that costs are controlled in a number of areas, such as maintenance, accidents, fuel and vehicle condition. We take the view that if you manage the driver you manage the risk. The RiskMaster programme has proved ideal to support this objective.”
Meanwhile, a company that suspended RiskMaster after three years of use following a change of managing director, has seen claims cost rise from less than £100 to almost £250 and claims frequency rise from 20% to 50%.
Fleet Support Group chairman Geoffrey Bray said: “Cost control is continually under the board of directors’ microscope and never more so than now with the economy slowing and the ‘credit crunch’ hitting companies hard.
“However, in too many companies occupational road risk management is not treated with the agenda-topping focus that it warrants from either legal compliance or financial perspectives. Thousands of companies - some large organisations and many SMEs - have absolutely no idea that road crashes are wiping profits off their bottom line.
“Legislation including the Health and Safety at Work Act and this year’s Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act underlines that companies have a duty of care towards their at-work drivers. Yet, many companies continue to pay lip service to the law and also fail to appreciate the financial savings that accrue from implementing a comprehensive at-work driving safety programme.
“Our analysis reveals that pro-active companies can save significant amounts of money - as well as administration time - by adopting driver safety measures while also safeguarding the lives of their staff and other road users and making themselves legally compliant.”
Fleet Support Group (FSG) is the largest independent vehicle management company in the UK and looks after approximately 50,000 vehicles. Fleet Support Group company profile
